buffoon
4 synonyms for buffoon, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Someone who acts in a silly, clownish way, or who behaves so foolishly that it's almost comical.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Italian "buffone" ("jester"), from "buffare," meaning "to puff out the cheeks" — an old gesture associated with clowning around.
Full origin of buffoon →Frequently asked questions
What does “buffoon” mean?
The word “buffoon” means someone who acts in a silly, clownish way, or who behaves so foolishly that it's almost comical. In plain terms, a fool or clown, often used to mock someone acting ridiculous, especially in a position where it seems inappropriate.
How do you pronounce “buffoon”?
“Buffoon” is pronounced buh-FOON (/bəˈfuːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “buffoon” in a sentence?
Here is “buffoon” used in a sentence: “The critics called the politician a buffoon after his disastrous speech.”
What part of speech is “buffoon”?
“Buffoon” is a noun.
Where does the word “buffoon” come from?
The word “buffoon” comes from Italian. From Italian "buffone" ("jester"), from "buffare," meaning "to puff out the cheeks" — an old gesture associated with clowning around.
